Sawyer County board adopts nonbinding resolution supporting Apostle Islands national park designation

The Sawyer County Board of Supervisors voted to approve a nonbinding resolution expressing the county’s support for designation of the Apostle Islands as a national park. Supervisor Tom Duffy made the motion to approve the resolution as presented and Supervisor Steve Karianan seconded. The chair called for the question and the resolution passed by voice vote; no opposing votes were recorded on the meeting record.

Meeting discussion framed the resolution as a regional, nonbinding expression of opinion rather than a directive that would affect Bayfield County or other jurisdictions. A board member noted that Bayfield County has a resolution opposing the park designation, citing concerns about local infrastructure to handle potential visitor increases; no county action was taken to override or counter Bayfield County’s position.

The resolution was described as intended for state and federal policymakers; presenters said the document would be sent to area legislators, the governor and federal representatives to convey Sawyer County’s support for the designation.

The board did not adopt any regulatory changes or allocate funding related to the designation at the meeting.